Abroad101: Study Abroad Reviews

Absolutely Amazing! Past Review

By (Elementary and Middle Level Education, University of Northern Iowa) - abroad from 06/17/2013 to 07/04/2013 with

University of Northern Iowa: Traveling - UNI Cross-Cultural Capstone in Italy

What did you gain/learn from your experience abroad? Was it worthwhile?
I learned how to interact with people of a different cultural (Italian) although some of them didn't know any English. I also learned how to be very responsible because I had a lot of freedom on the trip to do what I wanted.

Review Photos

University of Northern Iowa: Traveling - UNI Cross-Cultural Capstone in Italy Photo University of Northern Iowa: Traveling - UNI Cross-Cultural Capstone in Italy Photo University of Northern Iowa: Traveling - UNI Cross-Cultural Capstone in Italy Photo University of Northern Iowa: Traveling - UNI Cross-Cultural Capstone in Italy Photo University of Northern Iowa: Traveling - UNI Cross-Cultural Capstone in Italy Photo

Personal Information

How much international exposure did you have prior to this program? 2 weeks - 1 month

Review Your Program

* Overall educational experience

Academic rigor, intensity, resources, etc.

* Host Country Program Administration

On-site administration of your program

* Housing:

How satisfied were you with your living arrangements?

* Food:

* Social & Cultural Integration:

How integrated did you feel with the local culture?

* Health Care:

How well were health issues addressed during the program?

* Safety:

If you could do it all over again would you choose the same program? Yes

Finances

* Money: How easily were you able to live on a student's budget?

(1 = not very easy/$200+ on food & personal expenses/week, 2.5 = $100/week, 5 = very easily/minimal cost)

Not including program expenses, about how much money did you spend on food and other expenses each week? $600/week
Do you have any general money-saving tips for future study abroad participants? Make sure to apply for as many scholarships as you can! I received a lot more money in financial aid than I thought I would!

Language

* Did your program have a foreign language component? Yes
How much did the program encourage you to use the language?

0 = No encouragement, 5 = frequent encouragement to use the language

How would you rate your language skills at the beginning of the program? None
How would you rate your language skills at the end of the program? Beginner
What was the highest level language course you had completed prior to departure? 3 years of high school Spanish but no Italian
How many hours per day did you use the language?

Other Program Information

* Where did you live?

Select all that apply

  • Hotel
  • Hostel
* Who did you live with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
* Who did you take classes with?

Select all that apply

  • Local Students
About how many local friends did you make that you will likely keep in touch with?

A Look Back

* What did you like most about the program?
  • The country of Italy itself because it was beautiful and a great cultural experience
  • Good structured tours but also time to explore on my own
  • My professor and classmates
* What could be improved?
  • I did not like the hotel/hostels we stayed at in Venice or Rome.
* What do you know now that you wish you knew before going on this program? To enjoy ever minute of studying abroad in Italy because it flies by!

Reasons For Studying Abroad

To help future students find programs attended by like-minded individuals, please choose the profile that most closely represents you.
The Outright Urbanite
A social butterfly, you're happiest in bustling cities with hip people, and took advantage of all it had to offer. You enjoyed the nightlife, and had fun going out dancing, and socializing with friends. Fun-loving and dressed to the nines, you enjoyed discovering new restaurants, shops, cafes, and bars in your host country.